Animal Control Officer

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Houston, TX
Job Type: Regular Full-time
Job Number: 16666
Department: Public Health Services
Division: Veterinary Public Health
Opening Date: 06/22/2026
Closing Date: 7/31/2026 11:59 PM Central


Position Description
If you're looking to be a part of a collaborative environment where your skills can make an impact, explore our current opportunities in creating a better future for public health.
About Harris County Public Health:

Harris County Public Health (HCPH) includes a network of more than 1,100 public health professionals working together to improve health outcomes for the third most populous county in the United States. HCPH provides a multitude of services such as medical and dental services, community programming, and health education for the approximately 2.3 million people in unincorporated Harris County. Through its core values of innovation, engagement, and health equity, HCPH strives to bring meaningful solutions to public health issues while keeping Harris County healthy and vibrant.
Our Values:

HCPH embraces a foundation of progressive work anchored by the department's cornerstone values guiding our work to improve the community's health and well-being.

• Transparency -We share information openly and honestly so that staff, partners, and the community understand our actions and the reasons behind them.
• Integrity -Our actions reflect strong ethical principles, ensuring we remain trustworthy, accountable, and consistent with our mission.
• Respect - We foster a supportive environment by valuing diverse perspectives, listening intentionally, and treating people with dignity in every interaction.
• Impact - We focus our efforts on activities that improve health, reduce disparities, and create meaningful, measurable outcomes for the communities we serve.
• Collaboration - We actively partner across teams, disciplines, organizations, and communities to align our efforts toward common goals.

Position Overview:

Under general supervision, the Animal Control Officer will enforce animal laws, investigate animal incidents, maintain equipment, manage animal records, and conduct inspections. Individuals in this role will be responsible for representing the County in court and engaging in public education and community outreach related to animal welfare.
The Animal Control Officer is expected to know ethical standards related to documentation, time management, and maintaining honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Public Interaction & Law Enforcement: Responds to citizen requests for service, as outlined in the Animal Control Officer Training Manual, and enforces local animal laws and regulations. Completes special assignments as needed i.e. assisting law enforcement officers with evictions and arrests.
• Animal Incident Investigations: Investigates animal bite incidents, guides both the animal owner and the victim regarding necessary procedures and ensures proper documentation of the case.
• Equipment & Vehicle Maintenance: Operates County vehicles and equipment, ensuring daily maintenance, cleaning, and disinfecting are completed to ensure proper function and sanitation.
• Animal Record Keeping: Inputs and maintains accurate records of impounded animals, including animal details and photographs, ensuring proper linking for the County website.
• Dangerous Dog Facility Inspections: Conducts inspections of Dangerous Dog facilities to ensure compliance with Harris County regulations and standards for safety and animal care.
• Court Appearances & Professional Representation: Attends court hearings as needed, presenting required records and documentation, and maintains a professional image and demeanor at all times.
• Public Education & Outreach: Teaches scheduled animal safety and bite prevention programs to the public, promoting awareness and education.
• Community Events & Mobile Services: Participates in community events such as vaccination clinics, health fairs, and mobile adoptions, as assigned, to promote animal welfare and services.

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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Requirements
Education:

• High School Diploma or GED

Experience:

• At least one (1) year of paid work experience in a role providing direct customer service.
• At least six (6) months of basic knowledge of dog and cat care experience.

Certifications/Licenses:

• Valid Texas Driver's License (upon hire)

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of effective strategies for maintaining objectivity in difficult and high-pressure situations.
• Knowledge of ethical standards related to documentation, time management, and maintaining honesty and trustworthiness in the workplace.
• Skill in collaborating effectively as a team player, consistently contributing to the success and improvement of the department.
• Ability to work independently, managing tasks efficiently with minimal supervision.
• Ability to complete paperwork with accuracy, clarity, and attention to detail.
• Ability to complete Basic Animal Control Officer Certification.

Core Competencies:

• Data Analytics and Assessment Skills: Ability to use data to analyze community health needs and support decisions that improve community health outcomes.
• Communication Skills: This competency focuses on using clear and effective communication to engage audiences, address misinformation, and build trust, supporting informed decisions and stronger public health outcomes.
• Health Advancement Skills: This competency focuses on applying principles of equity, diversity, and inclusion to public health, addressing systemic barriers, and promoting fair access to resources for healthier communities.
• Community Partnership Skills: This competency focuses on collaborating with communities to address the systems and policies affecting health, fostering engagement, shared ownership, and sustainable improvements in well-being.
• Public Health Science Skills: This competency focuses on using public health science and evidence-based approaches to develop and improve policies and programs, ensuring effective delivery of the 10 Essential Public Health Services.

NOTE : Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Preferences

• N/A

General Information
Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• This is a Full-Time position. Working 40 hours per week.
• This position will have a rotating schedule.

Work Environment:

• Able to tolerate high heat and humidity for extended periods of time outdoors while working in a variety of urban and natural environments.
• This position may require infrequent travel and interaction with the community at public events.

Physical Demands:

• Will be required to lift and restrain animals or other objects up to 50 pounds. Must be in good physical health. May have to manually set up and tear down equipment as the mobile clinic requires.

Work Location:

• Harris County Public Health: Harris County Pets - 612 Canino Rd. Houston, Texas. 77076.

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.

HARRIS COUNTY EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Harris County offers a highly competitive benefits program, featuring a comprehensive group health plan and defined benefit retirement plan.
The following benefits are offered only to Harris County employees in regular (full-time) positions:
Health & Wellness Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Dental Coverage
• Vision Coverage
• Wellness Plan
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability (LTD) Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account

Paid Time Off (PTO)

• Ten (10) days of vacation leave per year (accrual rate increases after 5 years of service)
• Eleven (11) County-observed holidays
• One (1) floating holiday per year
• Paid Parental Leave*
• Sick Leave

Retirement Savings Benefit

• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan

The following benefits are available to Harris County employees in full-time and select part-time positions:

• Professional learning & development opportunities
• Retirement pension (TCDRS defined benefit plan)
• Flexible work schedule*
• METRO RideSponsor Program*

* Participation may vary by County department. The employee benefits plans of Harris County are extended to all eligible participants across various departments with the exception of the Harris County Community Supervision and Corrections Department, for which the cited Health & Wellness Benefits are administered through the State of Texas.
In accordance with the Harris County Personnel Regulations, group health and related benefits are subject to amendment or discontinuance at any time. Harris County Commissioners Court reserves the right to make benefit modifications on the County's behalf as needed.
For plan details, visit the Harris County Benefits & Wellness website:
01


Which of the following best describes your highest level of education completed as it relates to this position?

• High School or Equivalent
• Associate's Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree or higher

02


Which of the following best describes your verifiable paid work experience in a role providing direct customer service.(To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than 1 year
• 1 year or more.
• I do not have this experience.

03


Please provide details about your verifiable paid work experience in a role providing direct customer service.DO NOT USE "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Please include your (a) roles, (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities, (d) employment dates (ex. MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY). If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
04


Which of the following best describes your verifiable experience in basic knowledge of dog and cat care.(To be considered, the qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history)

• Less than 6 months
• 6 months or more.
• I do not have this experience.

05


Please provide details about your verifiable experience in basic knowledge of dog and cat care.DO NOT USE "Please see Resume" or "See Resume" (To be considered, qualifying experience must be documented in your application's employment history) Please include your (a) roles, (b) types of organizations, (c) scope of duties and responsibilities, (d) employment dates (ex. MM/YYYY to MM/YYYY). If you do not have this experience, please type "None" in the space provided.
06


This role requires a Valid Driver's License (Texas upon hire). Do you have a Valid Driver's License?

• I have a valid Texas driver's license
• I have a valid driver's license from another state but can obtain a Texas license upon hire.
• I do not have a valid driver's license.

Required Question